File a Business Certificate

Filing

You may file, in person or by mail, a business certificate at the City Clerk's Office at the following address:

City Hall

Clerk's Office

Room 31

375 Merrimack Street

Lowell MA, 01852


Filing Hours

The City Clerk's Office accepts business certificates Monday - Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

 Please note: A Workers Compensation Insurance Affidavit must be filed with each new filing, renewal or with any changes to a previously filed Workers Compensation Insurance Affidavit.

If Business address is a residential address, a Home Occupation Permit must accompany the filing of the Business Certificate. Home Occupation Permit can be obtained from the Development Services Department Rm 55 located on 2nd floor City Hall, fee of $25.00 (payable by check or money order City of Lowell)  

Filing Fee

  • The fee for filing or renewing a business certificate is $50 and includes one certified copy
  • The fee for changing, partially withdrawing from, or discontinuing a business certificate is $30, and includes one certified copy
  • Additional certified copies are $20 each

Types of Payments

The City accepts checks or money orders only by mail, and checks, money orders or cash in person. Checks should be made payable to "City of Lowell."


Validity

Once filed, a business certificate is valid for four years.


Filing in Person

To file, change, or discontinue a business certificate in person at the City Clerk's Office, each owner listed on the business certificate must be present, and show some form of State issued identification. There are Notary Public's at the City Clerk's Office that can notarize the owners' signatures. You will receive one certified copy at the time of filing.


Filing by Mail

To file, change, or discontinue a business certificate by mail, fill out the form (PDF) in duplicate completely in black ink. Each owner listed on the business certificate must then sign in black ink in the presence of a Notary Public.


Mail the two completed and notarized business certificates, Workers Compensation Insurance Affidavit and copy of certificate of insurance if applicable along with a check or money order for the appropriate fee to:

City Hall

Clerk's Office

Room 31

375 Merrimack Street

Lowell MA, 01852


This office will mail back one certified copy.


Filing a Change in Business

If you want to file a change in the business, note the following:


  • A change in the business name requires the filing of a new business certificate, signed by all new owners, and the discontinuance of the old business certificate signed by all old owners.
  • A change in the business address is a change that requires the signature of all owners. The withdrawal of an owner requires the signature of all owners.
  • The addition of an owner requires the filing of a new business certificate, signed by all new owners, and the discontinuance of the old business certificate signed by all old owners.

Business Form

View or download the Business Certificate Form (PDF),